Alissa has been working in marketing and the senior living industry for over ten years. With a B.S. in advertising from the University of Illinois, Alissa has worked all over the world as a freelance communications strategist and writer. Published in Forbes, Senior Finance Advisor, Alzheimers.net and on other leading senior care blogs, she leverages her working knowledge of the senior care industry with leading research and best practices to create engaging content benefitting seniors and their caregivers. In her free time, Alissa loves to travel, read, cook, and spend time with her family.
Just like they have in every phase of life, Baby Boomers are redefining every phase of life. Now, as many boomers begin to hit their senior years, they are changing what it means to retire. According to a national survey of adult travelers conducted by the AARP, Baby Boomers travel more than previous generations, with...
Oregon is known for its stunning landscape, especially as the seasons change. Recently, Canfield Place residents took to the great outdoors with a trip to the Columbia River Gorge to view the cascading Multnomah Falls. Learn more about our outing and how Canfield Place encourages residents to make the most of every day by engaging...
We’ve all seen our senior loved one sleeping through a family gathering, going to bed earlier, resting more. So, what is it about aging that brings more sleep? And, is it healthy to sleep that much? Learn more about how sleep benefits seniors and how to help your loved one maintain healthy sleep habits through...
There’s no doubt that Van Mall is a special kind of retirement community. We celebrate our residents and their families, creating a dynamic activities schedule that has a place for every family member! Read more about how Van Mall encourages family members to stay active and involved in the lives of our residents. Van Mall...
You know moving your loved one into a memory care community was the right move. It was good for your loved one, it’s good for your family. You trust the community to care for your loved one well and you feel comfortable about your decision. So, why do you still feel uncomfortable when you visit?...
Talking to a loved one about handing over the car keys is a difficult conversation. Because driving is so closely associated with freedom, agreeing to stop driving can feel like a loss of independence. It’s a hard decision, but it’s an important one, and the life of your loved one and the lives of others...
You’ve chosen a community. You’ve even moved your loved one into that community. You’ve done all the hard things and you know your loved one is happy in his or her new home. So, why do you feel uneasy when you visit your loved one in their assisted living community? Seeing a loved one in...
At Van Mall, we know what it looks like to age well. We have seen our residents make important lifestyle decisions that support long-term health and wellness. An often overlooked, but important aspect of aging well is exploring creative outlets. The benefits of art for senior health and wellness is obvious. From socialization to increased...
Canfield Place is located in the heart of Oregon’s wine country in Beaverton, Oregon. The city of Beaverton is the gateway to Tualatin Valley’s wine country boasting urban wineries and estate vineyards. Residents at Canfield Place recently took advantage of their ideal location for a day of wine tasting at Oak Knoll Winery. At Canfield...
Deciding to make the move to senior living is a hard choice many families have to make. Taking into consideration a senior loved one’s wishes, the emotional connection to a family home, uncertainty of the future, and several other important factors all play a role in deciding whether to stay in a family home or...